The Mokak Oration is named in honour of Romlie (Rom) Mokak, a Djugun man and a member of the Yawuru people, and the Productivity Commission’s (PC) first Aboriginal Commissioner.
Rom has dedicated his life to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a focus on bringing knowledges and voices of First Peoples squarely into the business of policy and government.
Hosted by the PC every year, the Mokak Oration recognises the achievements and contributions of prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Australian public policy and provides a space to share their impact on the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
With a focus on empowerment, transformation and impact, the Mokak Oration seeks to elevate the perspectives and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In doing so it invites non-Indigenous people to listen, think and act in response to the topics raised in the oration.
Honouring the journey of Romlie Mokak
Created by Aboriginal artist and proud Wiradjuri woman, Lani Balzan, this vibrant, intricate artwork brings together the powerful Gathering symbol, handprints and the colours of Djugun and Yawuru land to tell the story of Rom’s significant contributions and the unity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the broader Australian community.
Read more about the artwork
Romlie Mokak
Rom is a Djugun man and a member of the Yawuru people. In 2019, he was the first Aboriginal Commissioner appointed to the PC.
As Commissioner (2019–24), Rom led a number Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inquiries, studies and reviews and contributed his knowledge and insights to strengthen work across the whole PC. He drove the need to properly engage with and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,
organisations and communities. Rom challenged the PC to work in ways where Indigenous knowledges and Western methodologies co-existed rather than competed.
“Efforts to improve outcomes are far more likely to succeed when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead their design and implementation. Nothing will change until this model of partnership, based on genuine power sharing, becomes the rule and not the exception.”
Commissioner Romlie Mokak, Closing the Gap Review 2024
Throughout his career, Rom has made significant contributions to public policy. Prior to joining the PC, Rom was the CEO of the Lowitja Institute and the CEO at the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association. Within the Department of Health and Ageing, he led the development of Petrol Sniffing Strategy,
and in NSW, he was the first Aboriginal policy officer in the Ageing and Disability Department.
Rom holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education.
He is a dedicated partner and father of three.
